Bailie Hanif Raja MBE

Hanif was born in Jabot, Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, and came to Glasgow in 1968 to complete his higher education, studying English and business. He started his first small business, a grocer’s shop, in 1969 and by 1972 had two further shops. While running his business he continued his studies gaining a business management qualification and also studying insurance.

He has a wealth of experience having been an elected member of the Strathclyde Community Relations Council (SCRC) and being the first editor of their newsletter Community Voice. He was also appointed chairman of SCRC’s media committee and was one of the founders of the Kashmir Welfare Society (Scotland), of which he is currently president.

Having joined the Labour Party in 1973, Hanif has been an elected member of Glasgow City Council for Pollokshields Ward since 2012.

He is well known for his interfaith work throughout the city and this was recognised in 2012 when he received an MBE.

While he is now technically retired from business he is still extremely busy with his role as a Baillie and also with his involvement as a trustee in, among other things, Glasgow Central Mosque, Pollokshields Burgh Hall, Kashmir Education Foundation UK and Allahditta Trust Scotland for third world education for children. Hanif is now pleased to take on the role as one of the hospice’s ambassadors.